One thought on “Warrior in Bronze”

Shipway's interpretation of Greek myths took me by exceptionally pleasant surprise. Definitely my favorite view of that ancient world.Paste-ing another KirkusKIRKUS REVIEWAnother of Shipway's re-dos of ancient adventures, in which he shakes down fabled or time-muddled events for sense, if not sensibility. This is the fictional version of the pre-monarchical career of Agamemnon of Mycenae, circa 1300 B.C in which all that flighty mythic stuff--from avian impregnations to Olympian interventions--i [...]

This was an intelligent and well written story of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, in his own words, from boyhood to his accession as king of Mycenae. Agamemnon takes us through his training as a warrior and his first battle [at night, which he remembers later and will use as a tactic in the Trojan War]. Blooded, he receives his greaves and is given the title of Hero. Due to a boyhood incident in which his brother, Menelaus, takes the blame for him and is punished brutally in his stead, he's told by [...]

I really wanted to like this book. Agamemnon is one of if not my very favorite character from the Iliad. I've read just about every book, play, and academic essay about him. Sadly, in a lot of modern adaptions, he tends to be cast as the black and white villain of the story rather than the morally complex character that he is. As a result, I was rather excited to find a book that focused solely on telling his story. I thought that it would finally lend him the depth his character deserves.From t [...]

I loved the book. Apart from being a well written historical novel, one can rarely read a book where the narrator is a dishonorable man and apparently a murderer. Reminded me of Pop. 1280 by Jim Thompson

A novel of fiction wonderfully based on ancient history and legend.5 stars because this book entrapped me. It sent me to maps of Greece and other references. I could not walk away from it! The author put me in early Greece and allowed me to experience of the politics of our evolving civilization.

Absolutely loved this! Like many, I am very familiar with the events of the Trojan war but had never considered what lead to this, what really motivated the main players.This book supplies a plausible and entertaining prequal to the well known Trojan war. In the tales of which, Agamemnon is pretty much a side note, we know next to nothing about him. So I thoroughly enjoyed this story as something I'd not thought about before. Told in the first person, the story unfolds through Agamemnon's eyes. [...]

Another Shipway novel that I first read back in the mid-1980s. "Warrior in Bronze" follows the career of Agamemnon up to the point where the backstory of the Iliad begins, up to the decision to sail for Troy. While Shipway is very good at setting up the Mycenaean world and introducing the characters who'll one day become the heroes of the Iliad and the Oresteia, the tale here does tend to drag a bit--- the reader knows that Agamemnon will lead the Hellenes to Troy, and they know what will happen [...]

Absolutely amazing. I am so glad I read this book. A testament to the older ways of writing, this book balances wonderfully descriptive text with great storytelling and character development. My only regret is that the sequel has not been re-issued and I'm looking at $60 for a copy unless I join the dark side of the force (Kindle). I can only hope I enjoy other historical fiction reads this much. If you can find yourself a copy of this please take it, it's a must have.

Genius writingIf you enjoy Ancient Greek history this is the ideal story for you. It is written in first person style and you feel as if you are getting to know Agamemnon better and better throughout the book. You probably won't like him or any other of this cast of characters, but that is what life was like back then - a struggle to survive and an almost impossible struggle to obtain power and keep it for very long.There's none of the superpower characters here, no mythical creatures, no Gods, [...]

Real AgamemnonThe author presents the tale of inmortal Agamemnon, without the legends and giving a sound and solid argument to the story of this greek hero. Starting with his childhood under the wing of cursed king Atreus, the book lead us with a more human narration, more cynical but solid and full of passions.

Great on-the-ground, "you are there" perspective on Greek history. The "gods" as we were taught them are people in this story, some of them legends. Verging on anachronism, especially the language and that makes it vivid and identifiable. I'll read the second book.

Really good retelling of the Trojan War. I've only completed the first book but it was a fun, interesting read. He successfully shows you the famous characters of the Trojan War in a totally different light.

Great Rewrite of the ClassicsThe author has cleverly with great skill rewritten the ancient stories of Greece. His work has captured a realistic view of the ancient cities, the people who lived there, and the political conflicts of the times.

Agamemnon, of Greek mythology, has grown up as the son of a king and must learn what Kings will do and prove himself. This is an interesting story depicting palace intrigues, travel, battles, and the life of a king-to-be in Ancient Greece.

Good story though a bit confusing at times with all the names. I wish it was a bit better researched. e.g. corn did not get to Europe till the 15th or 16th century. However, it is a good read and want to read the rest of the series.